May 2025 Volume 7

INDUSTRY NEWS

FIA 2025 ANNUAL MEETING OF MEMBERS RECAP

T he Forging Industry Association (FIA) welcomed more than 140 members, spouses, and guests to Marco Island April 2-4, 2025, for the 2025 FIA Annual Meeting of Members, a gathering focused on collaboration, networking, innovation, and leadership development within North America's forging industry. Hosted at the Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort & Spa, the event opened with a first-time attendee meet-up and a welcome reception on North Beach featuring a fire dancer, hula performance, and a ForgingPAC fundraiser which raised $9,000 to support FIA’s advocacy efforts. The general session began with a welcome breakfast and opening remarks from the 2024-2025 FIA Board Chair, James Kravec of Weber Metals, followed by a keynote economic update from Lauren Saidel-Baker of ITR Economics. Sessions throughout

On the final day, a special breakfast workshop for FIA’s Next Gen participants—young professionals under 35—was led by facilitator Forrest Large. The program continued with updates on the state of the association from FIA Interim President & CEO, Angela Gibian, the presentation of the FIA Safety Awards (see page 69), and an executive business

the day explored topics ranging from community college partnerships and federal policy updates to defense market trends and forging automation. Optional afternoon activities included a FIERF golf outing and excursions such as an Everglades airboat tour and a catamaran cruise. The evening concluded with a Sunset Reception and Banquet featuring the FIERF Silent Auction which raised more than $20,000 for the foundation and its workforce development and research initiatives. During the reception, the FIA Board of Directors also presented the 2025 FIA Lifetime Achievement Awards (see side bar) and the evening concluded with dancing and live entertainment by the Bay Kings Band.

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